Chelsea Transfer News: Latest on Felipe Anderson and Michy Batshuayi Rumours

Chelsea are reportedly prepared to make a move for Lazio star Felipe Anderson in the January transfer window. Reports from Italy have stated Blues manager Antonio Conte has identified the Brazilian ace as a reinforcement for his ailing squad this winter.

In fact, Italian source Il Messaggero (h/t Football-Italia.net) has reported the Stamford Bridge club has already begun "working on an approach" for the 23-year-old wide player.

Significantly, the report also indicated Anderson, who represented his nation at the 2016 Rio Olympics, has been operating as a wing-back in a 3-5-2 formation with Lazio. It's the same tactical structure Conte has traditionally favoured, achieving success with the formation during time with both Serie A giants Juventus as well as the Italian national team.

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However, the most telling factor in any Chelsea-led pursuit of Anderson could be his new agent, per the report: "His contract runs to 2020, but Felipe Anderson recently changed his agent to Kia Joorabchian, who works closely with both Chelsea and Inter."

Landing the 23-year-old could help Conte get back to his roots. His lone-striker tactics haven't really benefited Chelsea so far, despite a promising early start to the new Premier League season.

Conte's Blues won their first three league matches but have lost two out of the last four. Chelsea now sit seventh, five points adrift of top spot, according to the division's official site.

This is a team needing more dynamism and pace going forward. Anderson could provide both as a cat-quick wing wizard with a keen eye for a pass, along with some subtle off-the-ball movement. As evidence of his creative output, the South American wide man has already provided a pair of assists for Lazio, per WhoScored.com.

Signing Anderson would push Conte closer to playing the formation that's suited him best. Yet the next step would be just as important, namely fielding two strikers.

AC Milan Want Michy Batshuayi Loan

Conte appeared ready to feature two up top when Chelsea signed Michy Batshuayi from Marseille for £33 million. The Belgian powerhouse seemed like the ideal foil for Diego Costa's crafty movement and lethal finishing.

However, Batshuayi has barely featured since, mostly coming off the bench. Now his immediate future with the Blues is even in doubt, with more than one club reportedly keen on a loan deal for the 23-year-old.

One of those clubs is Serie A outfit AC Milan, according to Italian source Mediaset Premium (h/t Jack Otway of the Daily Express).

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The Rossoneri may even be keen on wrapping up a permanent transfer for the attacker who only joined Chelsea in the summer, provided a proposed takeover by a cash-rich Chinese conglomerate goes through, and the Blues can identify a replacement.

Milan aren't the only ones keen, though. Batshuayi's former club would also be open to welcoming him back on loan, per French outlet Le10 Sport (h/t TalkSport).

Yet despite the growing chatter, Batshuayi has been keen to reaffirm his commitment to Chelsea. His public line has been to state his determination to make the grade in the Premier League, according to the Guardian's Ed Aarons.

Batshuayi has a lot to prove, even though his chances have been scarce under Conte. Still, it's right to expect more from a striker with both the strength to dominate aerially and play with his back to goal as well as boosting the pace to stretch defences between the lines.

Batshuayi should be the rugged presser who harasses defenders into errors, mistakes Costa would surely make the most of. But if Conte doesn't believe in the Belgian, it would be best for all concerned if the player is moved on sooner rather than later.

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The next two months will be decisive for Batshuayi. He has to make Conte's mind up for him, earn some starts and thrive in front of goal.

Conte is still tinkering with a rebuilding squad. It's a process sure to lead to some tough choices in the next transfer window or two. Batshuayi's future rates among the manager's more difficult decisions.